When I joined eBay was a fun and friendly place. In those days it was a happy experience to buy and sell with other members. Even to own a computer and use the internet was a novelty, and mobile phones didn't even exist. It was like being members of a club and buyers and sellers often used to exchange a note of thanks after a sale.
I know this is not supposed to be a discussion board, but have to say that since then eBay has morphed into something quite grotesque, a vast, multinational corporation, drained of humanity and so complex that even it's own staff struggle to understand the rules.
I have said for years that eBay should split itself into two, separate divisions for business and private sellers. For private sellers selling their own unwanted items there should be a vastly simplified user agreement and with less interference by eBay. Personally, I think the wheels are now well on the way to to coming off eBay for private sellers. The debacle over the new buyer protection fee reveals how eBay is losing the plot. For example, didn't anyone in charge see what all its users can see: that charging 78p buyer protection for a 99p item was utter business lunacy, akin to pressing a self-destruct button?
